A major lawsuit against filmmaker Tyler perry is putting friends Prince harry and Meghan Markle in the spotlight. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have remained notably silent since the serious allegations against Perry surfaced. This lack of public comment is drawing sharp criticism from royal experts. They describe the couple’s inaction as potentially “self-serving” and damaging to their public standing.
Perry, a close friend and godfather to their daughter Princess Lilibet, provided the Sussexes with crucial refuge. He offered his Los Angeles home when they first moved to the U.S. after stepping back as senior royals in 2020. Now, as Perry faces significant legal challenges, Harry and Meghan’s silence is being interpreted negatively by some observers.
The Allegations Against Tyler Perry
The controversy centers on a $260 million lawsuit filed against Tyler Perry by actor Derek Dixon. The complaint was submitted on June 13, 2025. Dixon accuses the renowned filmmaker of creating a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.” This environment allegedly occurred during the filming of Perry’s series “The Oval” and “Ruthless.” The lawsuit includes claims of alleged sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation. These are serious accusations now facing the prominent Hollywood figure.
Requests for comment sent to Archewell, representing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have reportedly not yielded a public statement regarding the lawsuit.
Expert Criticism: A “Self-Serving” Stance?
Several royal commentators and experts are openly questioning the Sussexes’ decision to stay quiet. They argue that friends, especially those who received significant help, would typically offer support.
“A Total Lack of Moral Courage” Claim
British royals expert Hilary Fordwich shared strong views with Fox News Digital. She claimed the couple’s silence shows “a total lack of moral courage.” Fordwich suggested it lacks the “stalwart support” good friends would offer. This is particularly pointed, she noted, given they “even lived in his home.” Fordwich warned the silence aims to avoid entanglement in the scandal. However, she believes it “won’t look good in the long run.” This strategy is especially risky given their “precarious standing” in Hollywood and royal circles.
Fordwich described the situation as a “lose-lose” for Harry and Meghan. If Tyler Perry is cleared of the allegations, their lack of support could be seen as a betrayal. This would further damage their credibility among friends and potential allies. If the allegations are proven, distancing themselves to protect their brand would still appear opportunistic and ungrateful.
“Silence is Betrayal,” Says Commentator
Kinsey Schofield, host of the popular “To Di For Daily” podcast, echoed this criticism. She told Fox News Digital that Harry and Meghan’s silence “looks completely self-serving.” Schofield pointed to Prince Harry’s own words. In a January 2023 interview, Harry famously stated, “‘Silence is betrayal.'” Schofield imagined Perry would “appreciate any backup at this point.”
Schofield highlighted the practices in the court of public opinion. Agents and publicists often mobilize influential celebrities to support those accused. This aims to sway media narratives and public sentiment. She argued that if Harry and Meghan chose to support Perry, it “could encourage other public figures to follow suit.” While acknowledging this isn’t necessarily “right,” she stated, “it’s how the system works.”
Schofield finds their silence particularly noticeable. She contrasts it with Meghan’s recent high-profile social media activity. Meghan relaunched her Instagram in January and has 3.9 million followers. Schofield noted her “almost binge-like activity” and constant promotion of her “As Ever” brand. This makes their avoidance of the Perry scandal feel “amplified,” Schofield suggested.
The Deep Ties Between the Sussexes and Perry
The connection between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Tyler Perry is well-documented and goes back several years. Perry holds a significant personal role in the family. He is the godfather to their daughter, Princess Lilibet, born in 2021. Their friendship deepened considerably during a vulnerable period for the couple.
A Safe Haven in California
The Sussexes shared details of Perry’s vital support in their 2022 Netflix docuseries, “Harry & Meghan.” Perry spoke about offering them refuge at his Los Angeles home. This occurred after their move to the U.S. The home provided a safe space for the family. They were there with their then-1-year-old son, Prince Archie. Harry recounted telling Perry, “Stay as long as you need to.” He added, “We said, ‘Maybe we just stay forever.'”
In the series, Harry and Meghan described not having a secure place to stay in California initially. Perry stepped in, opening his doors. Harry called it “bliss” because “no one knew we were there.” Meghan added that during COVID-19, the secrecy allowed them to “take the dogs for a walk and have a little slice of normal life.”
Perry’s Past Public Support
Tyler Perry was among the few A-list figures who publicly and fiercely defended the Sussexes. This support came during intense scrutiny following their royal exit. Perry revealed in the docuseries that he first connected with Meghan after her 2018 royal wedding. He sent her a letter. Perry told People magazine he was praying for her. He sympathized with the “hurtful” controversy surrounding her relationship with her father, Thomas Markle.
Perry expressed empathy for Meghan’s situation. “I couldn’t even imagine this woman finding the man that she loved… and him being a prince, and then to walk into all of that madness,” he said, according to the outlet. He related it to his own life, where family relationships changed after his success. “I know how hurtful and horrible it can be,” he stated. Perry “immediately empathized” with her struggles.
He also spoke about Meghan’s distress over British media treatment. He recalled telling her he felt her feelings were valid. Perry said she was “afraid of them destroying her, or going crazy, or them making her think she was crazy.”
Beyond providing refuge, Perry also posted a heartfelt public message for Meghan’s birthday on X (formerly Twitter) in 2022. He wrote about having a “front-row seat” to her life. He noted watching her “endure things that would have broken a lot of people.” He expressed pride in how happy she, Harry, and their children were.
Legal Response and Potential Fallout
An attorney for Tyler Perry and TPS Production Services, LLC, Matthew Boyd, has responded to the lawsuit. Boyd previously shared a statement with Fox News Digital. He described the plaintiff, Derek Dixon, as an individual who “got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam.” Boyd added that Perry “will not be shaken down.” He expressed confidence that these “fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
Despite this legal confidence, the public perception surrounding the lawsuit and the Sussexes’ silence remains a factor. Experts like Hilary Fordwich believe their quietness “reflects poorly on their overall character.” She called their apparent inaction “ingratitude… on full display.” Fordwich questioned this stance from figures she says are “supposed to be self-declared advocates for compassion and justice.”
Schofield also argued that Meghan could use her significant platform to offer support. She asked, “You can post a four-year-old video… but you can’t acknowledge a friend in need?” She highlighted Perry’s immense kindness. This included providing a private plane, a luxury home, security, and an “exit strategy.” Schofield concluded their refusal to get involved is an “act of self-preservation.” However, she sees it as “just another example of the Sussexes’ all-about-me mindset.” She noted that Perry states his innocence. Schofield feels that even not publicly saying they “stand by him” is telling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific allegations against Tyler Perry?
Actor Derek Dixon filed a $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry on June 13, 2025. Dixon alleges Perry created a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.” This environment reportedly existed while filming “The Oval” and “Ruthless.” The complaint includes claims of alleged sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation by Perry.
How did Tyler Perry help Prince Harry and Meghan Markle?
Tyler Perry provided significant support to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after their move to the U.S. in 2020. He offered them refuge in his Los Angeles home, providing a secure and private place to stay. Perry also reportedly provided security and a private plane. He is the godfather to their daughter, Princess Lilibet. Perry had previously reached out to Meghan after her 2018 wedding, offering empathy and support during challenging times.
Why are experts criticizing Harry and Meghan’s silence?
Royal experts and commentators view the Sussexes’ silence on the Tyler Perry lawsuit negatively. They argue it demonstrates a lack of moral courage and suggests “self-serving behavior.” Given Perry’s substantial past support (providing a home, security, friendship), experts see their current quietness as potentially ungrateful or opportunistic. They believe this inaction could damage their credibility and public image, regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against Tyler Perry has inadvertently shone a spotlight on his close friendship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The couple’s decision to remain silent has drawn sharp critiques from royal experts. They interpret this quiet stance as potentially self-serving, ungrateful, and damaging to the couple’s carefully cultivated public image. While the legal battle unfolds, the lack of public support from the Sussexes for a friend who offered them crucial help continues to fuel debate among royal watchers and commentators.
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